Expert: Rev. Robert Woods - 5/7/2009

Question
What does the bible say about men and women swimming together? I know at camp we never could swim at the same time.

Answer
Blessings and thank you for your question.

For some reason, you did not get this when I originally answered it.  Here is my answer:


There is nothing in the Bible about men and women swimming together.  Youth camps usually separate sexes in swimming for several reasons.

1.  Jesus said that if a man lusts after a woman, then it is the same as committing adultery with her.  Very young few men can see a good looking girl in a bathing suit and not lust after her.  So, camps eliminate the temptation.

2.  The Bible says that men and women should dress modestly.  Swimsuits, especially for girls today, are not made to be modest but to be alluring.  

3.  Contact:  A pool full of girls and boys will provide opportunities for inappropriate contact (both voluntary and involuntary).  

Now camps may site other reasons as well but this is main reason.  Personally, if they are well supervised, I would allow co-ed swimming, but most camps aren't willing to take the risk.

Blessings to you.